Friendships have been proven to be such a powerful thing in a person’s life. And the same rings true for any story in all types of media, especially anime. One of the things in anime that I look forward to is the friendships that develop over the course of a story. Friendships can be integral to a character’s growth and a source of support for them. Since Galentine’s Day is a day to celebrate female friendships, I thought I’d share some memorable gal pals that have had a lasting effect on me.
Azumanga Daioh
Azumanga Daioh is one of the funniest and most heartfelt anime that I’ve ever watched. It’s very comedic, with physical humor and a main cast of six girls with vibrant personalities and the situations they encounter. The situations they get into on a daily basis at school is what makes it so entertaining! I also find that this show is relatable since it focuses on a coming-of-age theme, navigating through school life, and friendship. I admire the girls’ tight-knit friendship in this series so much. Though they may bicker and disagree, they always have each other’s backs.
Ultra Maniac
Have you ever wished for a friend with magical powers? Ultra Maniac was the anime/manga equivalent for Sabrina the Teenage Witch for me when I delved into the shojo genre back in the day. It’s a fun magical girl anime in which Nina Sakura, a new transfer student befriends Ayu Tateishi, but Nina’s secret is that she’s a witch. Though the two get into hijinks because of Nina’s magic they still have a lot of fun as best friends. It’s a cute and fun anime about magic and the sprit of true blue friends.
Nana
In Nana, two young women named Nana are brought together in the city, sparking a chain of events that eventually result in them sharing an apartment. I like how the story starts out as two women who are complete strangers and how they become such close friends. It really shows you that friendships can come from the most unexpected places. It’s a more mature anime, but I like how it portrays how Tokyo forces each Nana out of their comfort zone and how they evolve in their careers, relationships, and their friendship as it’s tested throughout their journey.
Wotakoi: Love is Hard For Otaku
This anime follows Narumi, a female office worker who hides her fujoshi lifestyle, and Hirotaka, a handsome and capable company man who is a game otaku who decides to date. Though it’s a rom-com anime, I like the show’s relatability and homage to nerd culture. One of my favorite parts about this show is the friendship that blooms between Narumi and Kanako, a co-worker, who bond over cosplay and manga. They have a lot in common. It makes me reminisce over times I’ve made friends with people through attending anime conventions or connecting over a favorite fandom.
What are your favorite friendships in anime? Let us know in the comments and our socials.